Congratulations on your engagement! We at the office of Marriage, Family and Life are so excited for you and your spouse-to-be! The marriage preparation process can seem daunting, but your priest, your parish, and the Office of Marriage, Family, and Life are here to help!

What do I need to do?

• Talk to your priest shortly after getting engaged to start marriage preparations. It is recommended that you begin marriage preparation 6-9 months before the wedding
• Attend an engaged weekend at least 3 months before the wedding (dates below)
• Complete necessary forms, premarital inventory, and marriage prep sessions
• Breathe! Enjoy this season of engagement - the wedding will be here before you know it

FAQs

What forms do I need?

• Current baptismal certificate, dated within 6 months of the wedding day
  • Receive this from the parish (Catholic or non-Catholic) in which you were baptized
    • If that church is closed call the parish closest to it. If they don't have your record, call the diocesan office
• Freedom to Marry Affidavit
  • Priest will give this to you
  • Needs to be filled out by parent(s) of the engaged
    • If both parents are deceased, an aunt or uncle can fill this out
    • If all close relatives are deceased, someone who has known the engaged for 5+ years can fill this out
  • This form certifies that the couple is "free to marry" (i.e. hasn't been married before; isn't related by blood, marriage, or adoption; doesn't have physical defects that would prevent intercourse; etc.)

What if I've been married before?

• You will need a civil decree of divorce and an ecclesiastical decree of invalidity in addition to the forms above

Can we still get married in the Church if only one of us is Catholic?

• Of course! Marriage within the Church is possible if only one person is Catholic and the other is not. Please talk with your priest for any supplemental instructions and to find out how you can both grow and be supported in your faith.

What is the Premarital Inventory?

• The Premarital Inventory is a self-diagnostic instrument that is designed to help the couple learn more about themselves and their unique relationship. It is a tool to help the couple name and work through issues before marriage. Some topics covered include communication, problem solving, cohabitation, dual career, religion, parenting, sexuality, and finances.

What is the Weekend for the Engaged?

• This is a weekend designed to present essential Christian and human aspects of marriage so the couple becomes aware of the full dimensions of marriage as a committed, life-long, and fruitful relationship. Some topics covered include communication, sexuality, faith, and prayer. 

Do I need to be a member of a parish to get married there?

• Typically at least one person is registered at the parish where the wedding takes place. After marriage, it is recommended that you register at the parish in the area where you live if it is different from the one where you were married.

Weekend for the Engaged

Engaged Weekends are part of the preparation for couples as they approach the Sacrament of Matrimony. 

Each Engaged Weekend varies slightly in content, and beginning and ending times. The weekend is typically all day on Saturday, ending after dinner, and Sunday morning until mid-day.  Accommodations are not included, however, if you travel a distance and need a place to stay, contact Betsy Kneepkens at (218) 724-9111 and we will do our best to find a place with gender-specific housing for weekend attendees. 

Although weekend content varies, click here to view a sample schedule.

Upcoming Engaged Weekends:

• April 27-28, 2024 - St. Joseph Church in Crosby. The registration link will be posted here when registration begins. 
• More dates for 2024 Engaged Weekends are being planned.  

Alternative Options for Engaged Weekend Retreat

Attending an Engaged Weekend is part of the preparational process for the reception of the Sacrament of Matrimony. The Duluth Diocese offer 3-4 opportunities a year and strongly encourages couples to attend one of these weekends. Because of family commitments and/or work, the Duluth Diocese dates don't always accommodate every couples' needs. If you are unable to make the Duluth Diocese dates, with the approval of the preparing clergy, the listings below may be options that will satisfy the retreat portion of the preparation process.  

Living God's Love Retreat